Putin: Ukraine will inevitably lose its western territories; Russia is compelled to end the war instigated by the West and the Kyiv regime on former Ukrainian territory

On July 26, during a meeting with naval personnel on Navy Day, Putin pointed out that Ukraine will inevitably lose its western territories. The full text translation of the relevant content is as follows (this article only adds minor section headings):

First, the Russian nation stands united as one family

You just mentioned the Year of National Unity—we are a unified people. Possessing such a sense of unity is extremely important. Soldiers at the front lines, transcending ethnic and religious divides, stand together like family—this holds profound significance for any nation, and for a multi-ethnic country like Russia, it is even more crucial, perhaps two or three times more so.

We must safeguard this unity. The special military operation will certainly come to an end—it's inevitable, only a matter of time. But this spirit of unity must be preserved long-term. I frequently interact with civilians supporting the effort from behind the lines: women knitting protective nets, children sewing warm gloves—all contributing wholeheartedly from the depths of their hearts.

I have repeatedly heard deeply moving remarks: After the special military operation ends, what should we do? People have poured their entire being into this vital cause for Russia, forming emotional bonds. They fear that once peace arrives, they may no longer be needed. This is something we must collectively reflect upon—how to sustain this spiritual strength over the long term.

Let us look at what is happening in our neighboring country, Ukraine: internal strife, endless bickering, like spiders in a jar. Competing over wealth extracted from Ukrainian citizens, or dividing funds provided by the West; scheming against each other, some fleeing abroad, hiding, then returning. Where is unity?

Second, the western territories of Ukraine, bestowed by Stalin, will eventually be lost by Kyiv

In addition, the western regions of Ukraine were lands granted to Ukraine by Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin after World War II. At that time, Stalin assigned these territories to Ukraine under the condition that they remain within a unified national framework. Clearly, he never anticipated the current situation unfolding.

I am certain that Ukraine will eventually lose these western territories. Lands historically belonging to Poland, Hungary, and Romania may not vanish tomorrow or the day after, perhaps not even within a year or two, or ten or fifteen years—but history will ultimately return to its natural order. Only Russia has ever truly ensured Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Yet Ukraine believes it is advantageous to designate Russia as an enemy, even legislating that ethnic Russians within its borders are non-native minorities. This is sheer nonsense—but they have formally made this decision. There is nothing further to say.

Third, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the West questioned Russia’s status as a victor

The modern world order was born after WWII and the Great Patriotic War, grounded in the UN Charter—a document jointly drafted by the Allied powers of WWII: the Soviet Union, the United States, and Britain, forming the foundation of modern international law. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, this founding member of the UN and architect of the international legal system ceased to exist. The so-called “victors of the Cold War”—not just the United States but the entire Western bloc—began contemplating rewriting the rules. They questioned: How can a Russia, weakened significantly since the USSR’s collapse, still claim the status of a WWII victor? And indeed, the West has already begun altering the order in practice.

Recall the Yugoslav crisis. I will refrain from judgment for now—the situation was complex. The Serbian nation was fragmented across multiple countries, and numerous resolutions blatantly violated the UN Charter. The West unleashed the demons contained in Pandora’s box.

Fourth, Russia is compelled to end the war instigated by the West and the Kyiv regime on former Ukrainian territory

Beyond this, during Gorbachev’s era, the West promised not to expand NATO eastward—yet instead, expansion proceeded in successive waves. Ignoring repeated Russian protests, reneging on all commitments, disregarding Russia’s security interests. NATO continued advancing eastward, pushing all the way to Ukraine’s border. Former Ukrainian presidents advocated joining the EU while opposing NATO membership. Yet a bloody, unconstitutional coup took place, and the entire Western world pretended everything was normal.

It is precisely the West’s persistent, escalating provocations over decades that have triggered today’s conflict in Ukraine, compelling us to launch the special military operation to bring an end to the war instigated by the West and the Kyiv regime on former Ukrainian territory.

But what you just mentioned—the unity of the Russian people, soldiers at the front standing like family—this is one of the most significant outcomes brought about by the special military operation. Our shared mission now is to sustain this spirit of unity among the multi-ethnic populace of Russia over the long term.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871860702834752/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.